The findings from a Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review have revealed significant strengths and achievements of adult social care in Royal Greenwich.
Adult social care covers a wide range of initiatives that help people who are older or living with disability or physical or mental illness to live independently and stay well and safe. Local authorities are responsible for assessing people’s needs and, if individuals are eligible, funding their care.
The peer review, published at last week’s cabinet meeting, found high standards of practice and consistent achievement of positive outcomes for residents in the borough. It also found that the council places resident’s voices at the centre of their own care and wellbeing, with many examples of good engagement, consultation, and co-production.
Feedback from residents with lived experience and carers in the borough reflected a positive experience overall, and the council was commended for innovative schemes such as the prison care model and services like Live Well Greenwich, which help promote independence.
Millie, who has a learning disability and bipolar disorder, said:
“I am supported by my care staff who work alongside me to ensure I maintain a happy and fulfilled life.”
“Staff ensure my safety when making arrangements to meet my friends in the local community and at day opportunities. Staff support me by ensuring that I am wearing appropriate clothing for the occasion and the weather. I have support to ensure that I can meet my financial commitments, my money is kept safe, and I have access to funds when required.”
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
“Our primary objective is to support people’s health and wellbeing so they can live their best lives. I am very pleased with the outcome of the LGA Peer Review as we have worked hard to continuously improve services and meet the rising demand for social care, with the increased cost of delivering services and smaller budgets.”
“Our residents are at the centre of their own care, and it’s so great to see so many feeling empowered by our services and unique offers.”
Alongside the overall positive outcome, the review has also identified areas for improvement, such as the need to improve records and storytelling for the upcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment expected later this year.
The CQC’s assessment, a new duty under the Care Act 2014, evaluates how local authorities work with their communities and partners to promote wellbeing and independence.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
“We are committed to supporting residents by focusing on their strengths, as promised in the Health and Adults’ Services Vision.”
“This positive result is thanks to our dedicated staff and is a culmination of years of hard work and transformation at the council. We will continue to evolve our services to ensure the best health outcomes for all residents.”
The publication of the LGA Peer Review findings comes after the release of the council’s Local Account for Health and Adult Services 2023 to 2024.
The Local Account is an annual report that gives our residents an insight into how our social care and health services are performing and the impact they have had. In this report, you can find details on our achievements within adult social care as well as an update on upcoming priorities.
